Smog: the new unfortunate reality of Lahore

A report published by the University of Chicago has revealed that the average lifespan of residents in Lahore will decrease by 7 years due to the effects of the smog. In November, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore peaked at an alarming level of 409, prompting the Punjab government to take decisive action. In response to the hazardous smog, authorities mandated the closure of businesses and educational institutions, emphasising the importance of people staying at home for their safety. Smog results from the fusion of air pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, nitric oxides, carbon monoxide and fog. Therefore, during the winter, from months of November to February, pollutants are trapped in the air for longer, which are subsequently inhaled by the population.

Inhaling smog can irritate the airways, thereby contributing to respiratory ailments. It plays a significant role in the development of conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Furthermore, smog contributes to cardiovascular diseases as the air pollutants impair blood vessel function. In addition to these health impacts, smog induces symptoms like coughing, sneezing, eye irritation and breathlessness.

Furthermore, smog contributes to environmental hazards such as the acidification of rivers and the subsequent reduction in soil nutrients. It also increases the likelihood of acid rain, restricts plant development and makes them more susceptible to diseases. Moreover, smog curtails photosynthesis, which damages leaf tissues and causes crops to fail. Hence, smog collectively hinders plant development and impacts ecosystems.

Moreover, smog adversely affects visibility, leading to a greater frequency of traffic accidents. The compromised air quality and diminished visibility associated with smog create challenging conditions, elevating the risks of road incidents. This underscores the importance of heightened awareness and the implementation of safety measures in such environmental conditions.

Individually, mitigating the adverse effects of smog involves practical measures such as wearing a mask, utilising an air purifier at home and ensuring windows are kept closed. It is highly advisable to steer clear of areas where smog concentration is prominent. For instance, avoiding outdoor activities during days of concentrated smog. Additionally, there is need to keep your windows closed in high-traffic zones to reduce exposure. Smog reduction on an individual level can look like refraining from unnecessary driving in private cars to minimise personal emissions.

Vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, brick kiln emissions and crop burning by farmers are significant contributors to smog. Thus, to combat the effects of smog, policies targeting reducing air pollution must be created. For example, In May 2023, Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change introduced the National Clean Air Policy. It aims to reduce harmful emissions in the next 10 years by introducing interventions in transport, industry, agriculture, waste and household sectors. The specific objectives of the initiative are: converting wood stoves and biomass cooking into cleaner and more fuel-efficient cooking and heating methods; removing the worst-emitting vehicles and implementing Euro fuel standards in the transport sector; stopping open burning in the agricultural sector; stopping open burning of waste; and properly regulating industry emissions.

Pakistan relies heavily on private transportation like rickshaws, cars and motorcycles, leading to significant vehicular emissions that contribute to air pollution. To address this, the public sector should prioritise enhancing public transportation for the general population and establish ‘low-emission zones’ for transport. Additionally, the government should implement policies for the automobile industry, encouraging the production and adoption of hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles incorporate advanced technology that is environmentally friendly, reducing carbon and nitric oxide emissions. Moreover, it is crucial to strengthen and enforce monitoring and emission policies for automobiles, ensuring the emissions do not exceed a certain benchmark. The use of renewable energy vehicles and clean technologies is essential in gradually reducing the likelihood of smog events.

Similarly, in the brick kiln industry, there is a need to integrate air pollution control equipment. This includes implementing mechanical feeders and cleaner technology like vertical shaft kilns. These technologies ensure the most efficient burning of coal, thereby lowering emissions.

Moreover, replacing conventional fossil fuels in the brick kiln sector should be a priority.

Additionally, the public sector must create awareness programmes for the public on the detrimental effects of smog. Through online media content apps, news channels can be used to warn the public about the effects of smog.

Lastly and most important, it is high time for the Government to step up to create large industrial mechanisms to curb the destructive and devastating impact of smog. There are so many examples to learn from our neighbour, China. If anything this is where the federal budgets need to focus at this critical time; it is time to declare a ‘National Smog Emergency’.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2023.

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